The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service extended the application deadline for its Water Source Initiative pilot project. The pilot offers financial assistance to urban farmers for practices to collect and conserve water. Michigan urban farmers who wish to be considered for the current fiscal year funding now have until August 30, 2024, to submit an application.
The Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Water Source Initiative improves urban farmers access to water through the implementation of conservation practices focusing on water access and irrigation efficiency. The initiative will offer water management practices such as:
- Water Harvesting Catchment: Systems designed to collect and store rainwater for agricultural use.
- Irrigation Pipeline: Infrastructure to efficiently deliver water to crops, reducing water waste and enhancing productivity.
- Pumping Plant: Equipment to ensure the reliable distribution of water from storage or natural sources to irrigation systems.
In addition to these key practices, additional conservation practices may be available to participating farmers. Some of these practices include seasonal high tunnels equipped with water collection systems, cover crops, and conservation crop rotations.
Counties eligible for the 2024 Water Source Initiative include Genesee, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne.
How to Apply
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this funding initiative, interested producers looking to increase their level of conservation across their operation can apply at their local USDA Service Center by August 30, 2024. Additional sign-up opportunities may be announced later, subject to the availability of funding.
New for Fiscal Year 2024, Michigan NRCS will utilize ACT NOW to process conservation applications to deliver financial assistance to EQIP applicants faster. Applications received before August 30, 2024, which meet program eligibility requirements and the minimum ranking threshold score of 10 or greater in one of the ACT NOW funding pools will be selected for immediate funding until funds are exhausted. Through ACT NOW, applications are batched and then selected in order of ranking as funding permits.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities throughout America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America
Source : usda.gov